Luzhniki Stadium’s FieldTurf pitch, the permanent home to FC Spartak Moscow and FC Torpedo Moscow of the Russian Premier League and the host to many important international matches, has achieved FIFA 2-Star recommended status for the third consecutive time.
Luzhniki’s current FieldTurf pitch first passed the stern FIFA testing procedures in July 2008. After passing the retest in 2009 with flying colours, the pitch was retested for a third consecutive year in July 2010 and exceeded FIFA’s most stringent standards. After a heavy amount of professional soccer and major events, the field continues to exude the highest of performance in football playability characteristics.
Sir Alex Ferguson commented on the playability of Luzhniki Stadium’s FieldTurf pitch after an October 2009 Champions League Match. “I watched CSKA’s previous Champions League game and I didn’t see any issue with it (the FieldTurf pitch) at all. It is a passing surface and we have good passers in our side. We had a great record on artificial pitches and that was when the artificial pitches weren’t as good. The one in Moscow has a far better covering on it.”
Luzhniki Stadium is one of Europe’s premier soccer-specific stadiums and the biggest sports stadium in Russia. With a capacity of 84,745, it is part of the Luzhniki Olympic Complex. Luzhniki Stadium’s FieldTurf was the setting for the first Champions League match to be held on an artificial pitch along with a Euro Qualifier, a FIFA World Cup Qualifier, and numerous UEFA and Champions League Games.
“The results are extremely gratifying to us but not surprising as FieldTurf is designed to outperform the most rigorous of testing protocols,” said Ralph Jorissen, Managing Director of FieldTurf EMEA. “Passing a rigorous FIFA 2-Star re-test with ease for the third time is a true testament to our product’s durability, consistency and ability to provide truer ball rolls and smooth play.”
The FIFA Recommended 2-Star for artificial turf is designed specifically to mirror the playing characteristics of professional football. FIFA final round competitions and top UEFA competitions have the FIFA Recommended 2-Star in their respective competition regulations. The FIFA Recommended 2-Star designation is issued after a battery of tests are performed by a FIFA approved testing agent. Ball roll, shock absorption, rotational resistance, and water permeability are just some of the crucial field properties that are tested throughout the certification process.
FieldTurf was the very first artificial surface to attain FIFA Recommended status due to its superior grass-like performance, which soccer players prefer. FieldTurf was the 1st artificial pitch to host a UEFA Cup Qualifying Round (Torpedo, Moscow); and the 1st to host a FIFA Soccer Tournament (Jeux de la Francophonie).
